Logistic for engineers

about me

First, I am going to talk a little more about my background.

I’m a software engineer. Especially, I created many logistic systems.

I have experiences in launching and stabilization of warehouse management systems.

So, I’m a software engineer and also a logistics specialist.

This presentation is based on my expertise in logistics.

First of all, this presentation doesn’t explain all logistics field.

It’s case by case.

To start with, I will explain 6 main categories in logistics.

6 main categories in logistics.

• Transport and delivery
• Storage
• Packaging
• Cargo handling
• Distribution processing
• Data processing

This presentation explains two of them.

6 main categories in logistics.

• Transport and delivery
• Storage
• Packaging
• Cargo handling
• Distribution processing
• Data processing

I will talk about warehouse management system.

Warehouse management system has these functions.

They are as follows:

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

Arrival

Arrival is the process of putting goods from a supplier into a warehouse.

It doesn’t become so complex in many cases.

And, you almost don’t have to change and add functions

You can assign junior and middle level engineers to the tasks.

Resources required : Intermediate

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

Shipment

Shipment is the process of bringing out some items from warehouses to customers.

It tends to be complex.

And, sometimes we have to adjust the system because of the clients’ circumstances.

Even if you launch the system, it is common you have to modify the system’s function.

You should assign the ace to this function.

Resources required : High

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

Stock taking

Stock taking is the process of checking number of items in warehouses.

You can manage the work at the warehouse even if you don’t spend time to create the function.

Normally, You use handy terminal when you do Stock taking.

But, there are cases when it is not realistic to read barcode of each item in a warehouse.

In that case, you check the inventory by eye while looking some statement.

In many cases, you can finish only office work.

Resources required : low

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

Data exchange

Data exchange is the process which exchanges electronic data with other companies.

For example ASN data, shipping instruction data, and stock taking data.

The most important points in this process are negotiation skill and political skill.

If you accept clients’ offer without question, your company’s work will drastically increase.

If you want to avoid these outcomes, project manager is required to have negotiation skill.

When you create this function, accuracy is more important than development speed.

A careful engineer who has few bugs is more suitable for this process than a careless engineer who can make it quickly.

Resources required : Intermediate to high

Warehouse management system functions

• Arrival
• Shipment
• Stock taking
• Data exchange
• Requirement and payment

If you can’t simplify it, you shouldn’t add this function.

In some cases, you are required to have knowledge of accounting.

You are often swayed by strange local rules.

If this rule is too complex, you feel you are creating accounting system, rather than logistic system.

In addition, some customers have own calculation rules.
And, sometimes they change the rules.

It is hard to catch up with the rules.

In some cases, you have to change the calculation logic drastically.

Sometimes,

“complex calculation method with more office work which may be cheap depending on patten”

is preferred to

“simple and relatively expensive calculation method with less office work”

In this case, you should lead the customers to calculate on their own.

But, It often doesn’t work well according to your ideal.

As discussed, for some cases you shouldn’t use only technology when you solve the customers problem.

lastly, I want to speak about when you launch Warehouse Management System.

There are many varieties of sites in logistic industry.

If you have own systems, it is not suitable in warehouses in some cases.

If you encounter such situation, you will choose one of these options.

System introduction pattern

• case 1 : Change the systems to suit the work style.

• case 2 : Change work style to suit the systems.

System introduction pattern

• case 1 : Change the systems to suit the work style.

• case 2 : Change work style to suit the systems.

It is easier than another case.

Many customers request this style.

But, if you accept the request, the system will have the specific function for individual customer.

As a result, the system will be complex.

System introduction pattern

• case 1 : Change the systems to suit the work style.

• case 2 : Change work style to suit the systems.

Many customers are not willing to accept your suggestion.

You can spend long time to persuade them.

And also, if your company doesn’t have political power, you often can’t do this method.

But, if you want to get a big success in business, you should do this method.

When you choose this way, you have to work hard.

There is no wrong answer.

CEO or manager have to decide which way to go, on their judgement.

There are many varieties of methods depending on logistic site.
Situations change day by day.

It is important to suggest what you can do with limited resources.

But, many logistic sites are working on old systems and mechanism.

The idea that innovative technologies change the world is important.

It is important to focus on current chaotic environment and the workers who are busy with their daily task, and to explore more efficient method.

fin.